We’ll get support from ‘unexpected quarters’: Congress

“We expect support from unexpected quarters from outside our traditional support base. We have built a cushion of surprises. There will be support from all parties excluding the Left,” AICC general secretary and Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan said.

The National Conference and constituents of the UPA and its supporting parties like Samajwadi Party as also CLP leaders, PCC chiefs, AICC office-bearers are among the 500-odd guest list for the dinner.

Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have also been invited.

Chavan’s statement which spoke of surprises meant or implied that some members of the BJP, BJD, Shiv Sena and Akali Dal could also support the Government in the trust vote.

Meanwhile, party sources expressed confidence that MPs from Manipur and Nagaland could also vote for the Government in the trust vote.

Party leaders have been maintaining that they have a minimum support of 280-plus MPs.